High altitude roads along Ring Road 1 (Hringvegurinn) continue to see an increase in traffic, reports the National Broadcasting Service (RÚV). Fjallvegir, or mountain roads, are roads with an elevation higher than 300 metres (984 ft).
These roads offer some beautiful scenery but can also be dangerous in poor weather conditions. Traffic on these mountain roads has been growing annually since 2012, according to information from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
Hellisheiði road, south Iceland, that connects Reykjavík to Hveragerði and Iceland’s south coast, saw the highest increase in annual traffic, with 6,803 vehicles travelling the road daily in 2015 – that is 389 more vehicles per day than in 2014. Víkurskarð road, between Húsavík and Akureyri in north Iceland, came in second.
Route 1, or the Ring Road (Hringvegurinn), is the national highway that runs around the island and covers a distance of 1,339 kilometers. The general speed limit is 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph) on the highway.
A few things to keep in mind while driving in Iceland
1. Single-lane bridges. These are common in Iceland. The rule of thumb is the first vehicle to arrive at the bridge has the right-of-way.
2. Buckle up. All passengers are required by law to use safety belts. These are known to save lives.
3. Lights on. Headlights must be turned on at all times, day and night, all year around.
4. No drinking. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Iceland.
5. Stay cool. Slippery roads are the main cause of traffic accidents in Iceland. Should the vehicle start skidding on ice or snow, ease off the accelerator and slowly gear down. Leave a good space between your car and the car in front of you when driving in these conditions.
6. Getting stuck. If the vehicle gets stuck in snow, shift into first gear and slowly rock back and forth.
7. Stay informed. Never head off into the unknown–weather conditions in Iceland can change very quickly. Check the weather forecast before you set off and be well prepared. Keep warm clothing in the car for emergencies.
High altitude roads along Ring Road 1 (Hringvegurinn) continue to see an increase in traffic, reports the National Broadcasting Service (RÚV). Fjallvegir, or mountain roads, are roads with an elevation higher than 300 metres (984 ft).
These roads offer some beautiful scenery but can also be dangerous in poor weather conditions. Traffic on these mountain roads has been growing annually since 2012, according to information from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
Hellisheiði road, south Iceland, that connects Reykjavík to Hveragerði and Iceland’s south coast, saw the highest increase in annual traffic, with 6,803 vehicles travelling the road daily in 2015 – that is 389 more vehicles per day than in 2014. Víkurskarð road, between Húsavík and Akureyri in north Iceland, came in second.
Route 1, or the Ring Road (Hringvegurinn), is the national highway that runs around the island and covers a distance of 1,339 kilometers. The general speed limit is 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph) on the highway.
A few things to keep in mind while driving in Iceland
1. Single-lane bridges. These are common in Iceland. The rule of thumb is the first vehicle to arrive at the bridge has the right-of-way.
2. Buckle up. All passengers are required by law to use safety belts. These are known to save lives.
3. Lights on. Headlights must be turned on at all times, day and night, all year around.
4. No drinking. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Iceland.
5. Stay cool. Slippery roads are the main cause of traffic accidents in Iceland. Should the vehicle start skidding on ice or snow, ease off the accelerator and slowly gear down. Leave a good space between your car and the car in front of you when driving in these conditions.
6. Getting stuck. If the vehicle gets stuck in snow, shift into first gear and slowly rock back and forth.
7. Stay informed. Never head off into the unknown–weather conditions in Iceland can change very quickly. Check the weather forecast before you set off and be well prepared. Keep warm clothing in the car for emergencies.
